Surname Symons - Meaning and Origin
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Symons: What does the surname Symons mean?
The last name Symons is of English origin and is derived from the personal name Simon. The suffix "-s" indicates "son of", hence Symons further translates to "son of Simon". The given name Simon is from the Hebrew name Shim'on meaning "he who hears" or "listening". This name became popular amongst Jewish and later Christian communities due to biblical associations with the apostle Simon, later named Peter, who was one of Christ's disciples. Therefore, the surname Symons not only denotes a patronymic relationship but also carries historical and religious nuances. It was common during the middle ages in Britain for Symon (Simon) to be converted into Symons to indicate familial lineage. Overall, the last name reflects a lineage, bearing witness to the family's ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisSymons: Where does the name Symons come from?
The last name Symons is a widespread surname, found in many countries around the world. It is most common in the United Kingdom, where it ranks in the top 500 surnames listed in the 2018 Office for National Statistics Population Report. It is also found in large numbers in other countries such as Ireland, Canada, Scotland, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, United States, and India.
In the United States, Symons is the 1979th most frequent last name, while in Canada, it is found in small but significant numbers in pockets of the country, particularly in the province of Quebec. In Australia, where the first Symons arrived with the First Fleet in 1788, it is the 983rd most common surname. In New Zealand, it ranks in the top 400 surnames. South Africa is home to extremely low numbers of Symons, estimated to be less than a hundred.
While it may not rank extremely high in every country, the Symons surname is found in large enough numbers to be considered widespread, giving those with the surname an ample opportunity to connect with their shared heritage.
Variations of the surname Symons
The surname Symons is an anglicised form of Sigmundsson, which also includes some lesser-known variants like Sigman, Siemens, Syman, and Siemann. It is a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Siegmund, which was originally derived from two Germanic elements meaning “victory” and “protection.”
In England, Symons can sometimes be found spelled as Simmons or Simons, as well as Somons, Siemmons, and Symens. Other spelling variants which are particularly common in the American south include Simmonds, Simonsen, Simmendinger, Simandl, and Siemensen.
Other surnames which share a common origin with Symons include Simkin, Simmonsen, Siemens, Siemen, Simonson, Simrishammar, Siemsen, and Simola. In many cases, these are variations on the spelling of the same surname, rather than completely separate surnames of a different origin.
In Ireland, Symons is sometimes found as an anglicised version of the Gaelic surname Mac an Ghabhann, which means “son of the blacksmith.” Similarly, Simm and Simmons can be found as variations of this same Irish Gaelic name. All of these surnames are sometimes collectively referred to as the Simons or Symens clan.
Overall, the surname Symons is highly versatile and can be encountered in many different countries and cultures, often with very different spellings or variations. As such, it is important that family members are aware of the history and diversity of the surname in order to fully understand and appreciate their own heritage.
Famous people with the name Symons
- Austin Symons, professional hockey player
- Sir William Symons, the sixth Lord Mayor of London
- Dazza Symons, Australian rules footballer
- Richard Symons, Anglican bishop
- Andrew Symons, British politician
- Gordon Symons, Canadian sinologist
- Lorraine Symons, Canadian photographer
- Leslie Symons, footballer
- Robert Symons, barrister
- J. D. Symons, cyclist
- Roy Symons, New Zealand journalist
- Reginald Symons, English cricketer
- Giovanni Symons, Italian sculptor
- John and Lorna Symons, computer game developers
- Andrew Symons, Dartmoor artist
- Jesse Symons, American baseball player
- Rick Symons, Canadian snowboarder
- R. B. Symons, English engineer
- Paul Symons, English actor